No plans to make voter registration compulsory

Bernama (25/6/08): The government has no plans to make voter registration compulsory as the system in practice is conducive and not burdensome to the people.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz said if voter registration was made mandatory, it would involve enforcement of the law and could cause problems for the people.

"Compulsory voter registration will be in violation of Article 5 of the Federal Constitution with regards to personal liberty and is against democracy as practised in this country," he said in reply to Datuk Abdul Halim Abdul Rahman (PAS-Pengkalan Chepa) in the Dewan Rakyat here today.

Mohamed Nazri said the government also believed that the high number of registered voters, comprising 73 percent of citizens who were eligible to vote, indicated the people's awareness on their right to vote as provided for in the Federal Constitution.

In addition, he said, the Election Commission (EC) was always holding roadshows and setting up tables for voter registration at shopping complexes to encourage people to register as voters if they had not done so.

"So, I would like to stress here again that we do not want to force people (to register as voters) as the decision is theirs, whether to be a voter or not. We gave the people that choice."

On voters who had died, Mohamed Nazri said the EC carried out a review regularly to remove their names from the voter list for updating purpose.

Youthful novice ridiculed

Malay Mail (30/5/08): Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Rahman Abdul Ta ib (BN-Kota Samarahan), the son of Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, demonstrated in the House yesterday that youth alone was not necessarily an asset for a politician.

Speaking on behalf of his absent minister, the 39-yearold former chairman of RHB lurched from sentence to sentence, and often even word to word, in a speech that was matched only by his own dismal stutterings in the Senate a few days earlier.

To be fair, Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said (BN-Penggerang) had no business leaving this section of the Supplementary Supply Bill debate in the hands of a consummate political and oratorical novice - knowing full well that Pas and PKR frontbenchers were still upset over her recent remarks in the House.

Indeed, the Opposition lost little time continuing its counterstrike: Did electoral vengeance motivate the minister’s decision to terminate tourism memoranda of understanding with Pakatan Rakyat states? Could the minister prove that the Kelantan government was responsible for not paying staff of the state’s Tourism Action Council? Failing to reckon with the fact that the deceptively mild Datuk Abdul Halim Abdul Rahman (Pas-Pengakalan Chepa) was once Kelantan Deputy Menter i Besar , Sulaiman’s ingenuous argument crumbled instantly under a relentless barrage of facts and figures.

And he really had only one argument against them, that of denial: “Oh no, the government wants to co-operate with all states for the betterment of Malaysian tourism.” This provoked instant ridicule.

Even Jeff Ooi (DAPJelutong), whose performance in the House so far has been disappointing, saw the opportunity to redeem himself by firing a well-timed broadside.

Sulaiman then proceeded to restate the minister’s controversial positions, obviously unaware that this would do nothing but benefit the Opposition. Salahuddin Ayub (Pas-Kubang Kerian) cried “lies!” with glee, and there was nothing Sulaiman could do about it.

The embattled deputy minister then elicited no sympathy by whimpering and producing the alarmingly unimaginative “but that’s wrong” - used about a dozen times against the Opposition in under a minute, hoping vainly that the "bullies" would leave him alone.

At last, he began gazing forlornly at the deputy chairman, Datuk Ronald Kiandee (the House was sitting as a committee then), and when no help came, Sulaiman began grovelling: “Oh, but if I were to answer these questions there won’t be enough time before lunch for me to finish.” Salahuddin was still crying “lies” from the other side, and was enjoying himself too much to stop. This seemed to put Kiandee in a mischievous mood, and he replied with a perfectly straight face: “But there’s time after lunch.” Sulaiman’s salvation came in the form of the alternate deputy chairman, Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, who realised after the break that the members were in for another long sitting - and so cut short the debate.

“You had better give them written replies,” Wan Junaidi said, and Sulaiman found some renewed confidence in himself.

Unfortunately he bungled again a few minutes later when, obviously elated by the end of the inquisition, he confused the word “written” for “oral” and told Opposition he would respond “secara lisan” (verbal reply). Hoots and jeers.

The first sitting of Parliament adjourned sine die yesterday.

The second sitting is scheduled for the end of June, at which time this sketch will resume. (U-En Ng)

Newbie Sulaiman fumbles with his words

The Sun (29/5/08): Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Abdul Rahman Abdul Taib gave a very bad first impression in Parliament today when he fumbled with his words to answer questions on the RM10 million being allocated for the State Tourism Action Council (MTPN).

At one point, he was even "helped" by another BN MP from Sarawak, Norah Abdul Rahman (BN-Tanjong Manis) who said she wanted to provide some information to Sulaiman on one of the issues raised.

This prompted Tian Chua (PKR-Batu) to quip: "You want to help out the new (deputy) minister, eh?"

Winding-up debates for the item under the Supplementary Supply Bill, Sulaiman was flooded with questions from the Opposition MPs on a point raised by Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said last week in which the MPs tried to refer her to the Committee of Privileges.

Azmin Ali (PKR-Gombak) said he was not satisfied with Azalina's clarification on signature tourism events being dropped in Pakatan Rakyat (PR) states.

"The MTPN which is meant to promote tourism at state level is used by the ministry for political revenge," he said, adding he wanted the Dewan to record the explanation given by Azalina to him in the parliament lounge on May 20.

Sulaiman clarified the calendar events were not dropped as the minutes of a meeting dated March 26 quoted by Azmin has been cancelled and replaced by another dated April 1.

While seemingly stuttered in forming his sentences, he went on to say the ministry was willing to cooperate with PR states, therefore the accusations that it has neglected tourism in the five states were untrue.

"The ministry wants tourists to come to the whole of Malaysia, anywhere in the country. Previously, we had promoted Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi. At that time, we should have focused on enhancing (world's) knowledge about Malaysia.

"But, if we were to promote the whole country, it would be difficult for the foreign tourists to focus. So, we had focused on destinations which are easier to be promoted and highly beneficial to the country," he said.

Later, when he repeated his readiness to work together with all state governments, irrespective of the ruling party, Datuk Abdul Halim Abdul Rahman (PAS-Pengkalan Chepa) stood up to ask for an explanation on Azalina’s statement last week.

She had said the Kelantan state government had failed to pay MTPN officers three months salary in 2002 but Abdul Halim said the pay was the responsibility of the federal government.

To this, Sulaiman read out quickly a prepared statement on the chronology of events from the MoU signed between the ministry and Kelantan in February 2002, to set up the MTPN until Jan 2003 when Kelantan had to refund the RM2 million given following the cancellation of the MoU in Oct 2002.

He said the MoU was cancelled because the state government did not follow the right procedure in the appointment of MTPN chairman, and during this process, the MTPN staff were deprived of their three-month pay.

Abdul Halim who was Deputy Mentri Besar at that time said Kelantan did not agree with the chairman picked by the ministry as he was an Umno member and argued that the selection of chairman should be the prerogative of the state government.

Govt grilled over CYC

The Sun (28/5/08): The government was grilled in the Dewan Rakyat (Parliament) today over its commitment to organise the controversial Champions Youth Cup (CYC) which costs taxpayers RM17 million per edition.

Criticisms from the Pakatan Rakyat MPs came during the debate on the Supplementary Supply Bill, and Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Ahmad Husni Mohamad Hanadzlah had his hands full defending the programme which was held for the first time last year to poor audience support.

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has decided not to give its sanction to this event this year. Even if it is not held, the government has to forego RM8 million as it is tied to a contract for three years.

Datuk Abdul Halim Abdul Rahman (PAS-Pengkalan Chepa) questioned the benefits the CYC brings to the country.

Mahfuz Omar (PAS-Pokok Sena) said it is too costly to host the CYC and suggested the Malaysian team be sent overseas for training as it is cheaper.

He said the players can learn from the clubs there and gain exposure instead of spending RM17 million.

"If we focus too much on sports tourism, it will affect the focus of our sports, like the current state of our football."

William Leong (DAP-Selayang) said the CYC does not have the support of the FAM. "So what is the urgent need to give the funds?"

Mohd Firdaus Jaafar (PAS-Jerai) said the CYC has only resulted in two players being sent for training overseas. "Furthermore, Malaysia has dropped in the ranking to 169."

Datuk Ibrahim Ali (Ind-Pasir Mas) suggested the Youth and Sports Minister visit Africa where world class players are also produced. "They play barefoot, they don't even have jerseys to wear and yet they are of world class standard. Take me along so I can be your driver."

In defending the CYC, Ahmad Husni said: "There are the tangible and intangible benefits to it, the intangible becomes tangible when training is provided to the young talents." He cited Brazil’s Ronaldo and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo as world class players who benefited from such training.

"After they are spotted, and with exposure, they become world class players so CYC has good elements.

"The CYC is one of three programmes by the Youth and Sports Ministry which benefits in terms of sports and tourism. The tangible part of it is attracting some 21 million tourists," Ahmad Husni said.

He said an ad hoc committee set up between the FAM, the Attorney-General, the ministry and a panel of advisers will look at the organisation of the CYC. The CYC involves a cost of RM17 million per year being paid to the Gifted Group Limited (GGL).

While making no mention of the RM17 million allocation for each year, Ahmd Husni said the amount given for the organisation of the event stands at RM2 million, adding that such events provide training and exposure for our athletes.

"The CYC also has relevance to giant football clubs like Manchester United, Latin America’s Flamingo, Chelsea, Arsenal, AC Milan, Ajax, Barcelona and it was supposed to include Real Madrid this year. Imagine a 16 or 17-year-old competing with players from these giant teams. It will display his competence, strength and skill. Furthermore, through agreements (under the CYC), we can also send our athletes overseas and several people have already benefited from this," Ahmad Husni added.

Opposition instigating territorial sentiments, says Mojigoh

The Star (15/5/08): A backbencher criticised the Opposition for allegedly inciting disunity among the people in Sabah and Sarawak.

Datuk Dr Marcus Mojigoh (BN – Putatan), who accused the Opposition of instigating “territorial sentiments”, said in a supplementary question to Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Mohamed Shafie Apdal:

“The people in the two states were almost taken in by their lies and malicious attempts to exploit racial sentiments.”

Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia commented that Dr Mojigoh’s question was actually a statement.

Earlier, in reply to Dr Mojigoh’s original question of how the Government would act against those who incited disunity, anti-peninsula and territorial feelings, Shafie said such feelings grew from a lack of knowledge and understanding about the country’s formation, bumiputra rights and privileges.

“Programmes to bolster unity, cooperation and understanding among the races in Malaysia would not be enough through education and campaigns alone,” he added.

Shafie told Datuk Abd Halim Abd Rahman (PAS – Pengkalan Chepa) that the Government was worried that the younger generation, who were now more exposed to new ideas and cultures in a changing environment, would not understand the foundations of the country and racial understanding.

“We may see a rise in problems related to racial and religious sensitivities, lack of respect for the official religion, the sovereignty of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and many things if we fail to set a good example as Malaysians.

“If we are unable to play our role well, we may lose the nationalistic spirit and respect for the country in the long run,” he added.

Taxi owners may get help

NST (13/5/08): The government is considering issuing licences for owner-driver taxis, Entrepreneur and Co-operative Development Minister Datuk Noh Omar said yesterday. The issuance of taxi licences was suspended in September 2004. Noh said he was aware of the problems faced by taxi drivers using rented vehicles. "We will consider issuing licences to individuals," he said in reply to a supplementary question from Datuk Abdul Halim Abdul Rahman (Pas-Pengkalan Chepa).

Dewan Rakyat: Govt may revive taxi permits for individuals

NST (12/5/08): The government may revive issuance of taxi permits to individuals to address problems faced by taxi drivers following the decision to approve the permits only to companies, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Minister Datuk Noh Omar said his ministry was preparing a Cabinet paper to recommend to the government to reopen issuance of taxi permits to individuals.

“By reopening applications for individual permits with certain conditions attached, taxi services in the country can be further improved.

“We are aware of the numerous problems that have surfaced following the decision to issue taxi permits only to companies, including high daily rentals, drivers’ low income and refusal to use fare meters,” he said when replying to Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi (BN-Batu Pahat) during question time.

Taxi permits for companies and individuals had been frozen since Sept 10, 2004.

Noh said his ministry was negotiating with Proton to come up with a standard design for taxis nationwide to bolster the country’s taxi service.

“When we have a uniform design, then we will straight away know it is a taxi, unlike now we have to identify by the taxi logo,” he said.

Noh said his ministry was negotiating with Proton to come up with a standard design for taxis nationwide to bolster the country’s taxi service.

“When we have a uniform design, then we will straight away know it is a taxi, unlike now we have to identify by the taxi logo,” he said.

Replying to Datuk Abdul Halim Abdul Rahman (PAS-Pengkalan Chepa), Noh said Mara had issued loans totalling RM27.8 million to 762 taxi drivers up to April this year to help them to be self-reliant.

He also said his ministry was considering increasing the capital for individual loans under the Public Transport Development Fund by RM40 million from RM60 million to RM100 million.

Also, besides extending the loan scheme to Sabah and Sarawak, it would be opened to non-Malay taxi drivers provided they met the eligibility conditions, he added.